TOPIC:

Ann, I can't find that number on the QSA roll. I can find eight W Smiths in KSLI but none of them have the number 5929. I might be overlooking something but I'm beginning to suspect he may have changed numbers somewhere between the Boer War and his discharge in 1911. The information you've provided sounds like it comes from his service record. You mention his medal is still in existence. Could you try to get the details off the rim of the medal as that will provide the details of his number, rank and unit at the time of the Boer War (typically the QSA is named with number, rank, initial and surname and then unit in that order)? The medal should also have clasps on the ribbon. If you could try find out which clasps it would also be helpful.

Cheers,

Mark

Well I am back but with not much extra news. Apart from the fact that Pops medal is 5929 as Mrs Price has medal. I sent her your last message so as she could read the medal again but she is busy packing to move overseas
William edward smith attested in 17th january 1899 in shrewsbury.His date of birth is a bit iffy but about 1880 so that makes him 18 & 3 months at joining up and put his occupation down as labourer
NOK A smith Eastgate St Stafford
in South Africa till 1902
Kings shropshire light infantry
married june 1907
supposed to have come out to australia in 1909 on Ormus??
discharged 16th January 1911
also known as Ted
Please advise me what to do. Can I find out if he did attest on that day? would there be army records/ Thank you Anne

Hi Ann, I've spent several hours going through both QSA and KSA medal rolls and can't find a 5929 William Smith on the KSLI rolls. There are men by the name of William Smith but none with that number. I've also looked at men with the name Smith in case he used another initial or first name and can't find a Smith with the number 5929. I've looked on Ancestry for service records and can't find any. You might be able to find a listing on Find My Past. I had a quick look. I'm not a subscriber to FMP and I couldn't see any obvious matches.

All the details of his company and enlistment sound like they come from a service record. Any idea where that information comes from.

It would be good to know what is exactly enscribed on the rim of his medal, what the medal is and what clasps it has. Photos would be the best way to go. That would really be a big help and we could probably far better assist you if we had that info.

Cheers,

Mark